Load

Metallica’s Load was released on June 4, 1996, through Elektra Records. Produced by Bob Rock, the album showcased a significant shift in the band’s sound, incorporating bluesy hard rock influences and a more groove-oriented approach. Featuring tracks like "Until It Sleeps," "King Nothing," "Hero of the Day," and "Bleeding Me," Load demonstrated Metallica’s willingness to evolve. The cover art, titled Semen and Blood III, was created by artist Andres Serrano and features a mixture of bovine blood and his own semen pressed between plexiglass, reflecting the album’s raw and provocative nature.